Yes, you have to charge an AirTag, but not very often
An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery that lasts about one year under normal use. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. At that point, you open the back of the AirTag by pressing down and twisting the stainless steel ring, remove the dead battery, and drop in a new CR2032 — the whole process takes about 30 seconds. You cannot recharge the battery itself; you replace it with a fresh one.
The one-year lifespan assumes typical use: checking the AirTag's location a few times a week and having it within Bluetooth range of your iPhone regularly. If you use Find My constantly or keep the AirTag far from any Apple device, the battery will drain faster. If you barely use it, it might last longer.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags use a replaceable CR2032 coin-cell battery that lasts roughly one year, not a rechargeable battery.
- Your iPhone notifies you when the battery is low, giving you time to replace it before it dies completely.
- CR2032 batteries cost between $3 and $8 for a pack of multiple batteries at most retailers.
- You twist open the back ring of the AirTag to access the battery compartment — no tools required.
How to replace the battery when it dies
When you get a low battery notification, locate your AirTag and hold it in one hand. With the other hand, press the polished stainless steel back cover down firmly and twist it counterclockwise until it stops. The cover will come free in your hand. Inside, you will see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal holder.
Lift the battery out — it may stick slightly to the holder, so use your fingernail or a plastic tool if needed. Drop the new CR2032 in with the positive side (the flat side with the + symbol) facing up. Press the cover back on and twist it clockwise until it clicks. The AirTag will chime to confirm the new battery is working, and your iPhone will show the battery status as full within a few seconds.
Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries
CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin-cell batteries in the world, so you can find them almost anywhere. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the battery aisle. Grocery stores, hardware stores, and big-box retailers like Target and Walmart carry them. Online, Amazon, Best Buy, and eBay all sell multipacks.
A single battery usually costs $1 to $3 at a drugstore, but buying a pack of 5 or 10 brings the per-battery cost down to 50 cents or less. Since you will need to replace the battery once a year, buying a small pack upfront is more economical than buying one at a time.
What affects how long the battery lasts
The official estimate of one year assumes you check your AirTag's location through Find My a few times per week and keep it within Bluetooth range of your iPhone or another Apple device most of the time. If you use Find My constantly — checking the location multiple times per day — the battery will drain faster, possibly in 8 to 10 months.
If your AirTag sits in a drawer or bag and you rarely look it up, the battery may last 14 to 18 months. Distance matters too: an AirTag that stays near your iPhone drains the battery more slowly than one that is often far away, because nearby devices use less power to communicate.
Why AirTag uses a replaceable battery instead of rechargeable
Apple chose a replaceable battery over a rechargeable one for practical reasons. A rechargeable battery would require a charging cable or dock, which adds bulk and cost. The CR2032 is so small and cheap that replacing it once a year is simpler than managing another device that needs charging. You also do not have to worry about the battery degrading over time the way rechargeable batteries do.
The trade-off is that you have to remember to buy replacement batteries and keep them on hand. For most people, the simplicity of a one-year battery life outweighs the minor inconvenience of replacing it once annually.
What happens if the battery dies completely
If you ignore the low battery notification and the battery dies, the AirTag will stop working immediately. It will not communicate with Find My, and your iPhone will show it as offline. You can still replace the battery at any time — there is no time limit or penalty for letting it die. Once you install a fresh battery, the AirTag will reconnect to Find My within a few seconds and work normally again.
If you are tracking something important, a dead AirTag is a problem because you lose the ability to find it. That is why Apple sends the notification well before the battery is completely drained, giving you a window of time to replace it while the AirTag is still working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recharge an AirTag instead of replacing the battery?
No. AirTags use a non-rechargeable CR2032 coin-cell battery. You must remove the old battery and insert a new one. There is no charging port or wireless charging on an AirTag.
How do I know when the battery is low?
Your iPhone will send you a notification through the Find My app when the battery is low. The notification appears on your lock screen and in the Notifications Center. You can also check the battery status manually by opening Find My, selecting the AirTag, and looking at the battery indicator.
Will the AirTag still work if the battery is low?
Yes, an AirTag with a low battery still works normally. The notification is a warning that you should replace the battery soon, not an indication that it has stopped functioning. You have time to buy a replacement battery before the AirTag goes offline.
What if I lose the stainless steel back cover?
Apple sells replacement backs separately for around $12 to $15 each. You can order them from Apple's website or through an Apple Store. Without the back cover, the battery will fall out and the AirTag will not work, so replacing it is necessary.
Do all AirTags use the same battery?
Yes. All AirTag models use a CR2032 battery. Whether you have the standard AirTag or the AirTag with a leather keychain, the battery is the same, and replacement is identical.